Lawsuit from Central Mass. mother says company’s negligence led to son’s highway death

A Central Massachusetts mother has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a construction foundation company, alleging that the company’s failure to follow transportation safety requirements directly contributed to the tragic death of her 25-year-old son on a state highway.

The lawsuit stems from a devastating crash that occurred in June 2023 on Route 190 in Sterling, where a young motorcyclist was fatally struck by a piece of heavy equipment being transported on a tractor-trailer.

Mother Seeks Accountability

Donna Brisbois of Princeton has brought legal action against a Chelmsford-based foundation company that owned the crane involved in the fatal incident. According to court filings, she believes the company failed to take the necessary precautions required for transporting an oversized load on Massachusetts roadways.

The lawsuit argues that proper safety measures, permits, and escort requirements could have prevented the deadly accident from occurring.

For Brisbois, the legal action represents an effort to seek accountability and answers following the sudden loss of her son.

Fatal Incident On Route 190

According to the complaint, Jacob John Hamm Brisbois was riding his motorcycle along Route 190 in Sterling during the early morning hours of June 19, 2023.

At some point during the trip, he reportedly pulled into the highway breakdown lane and stopped safely with his hazard lights activated.

At approximately the same time, a tractor-trailer transporting a large crane was traveling along the same stretch of roadway.

The lawsuit alleges that part of the crane extended into the breakdown lane and struck Brisbois while he was stopped on the shoulder.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but the injuries proved fatal. The 25-year-old was pronounced dead at the location of the crash.

Questions Over Oversized Load Transport

A major focus of the lawsuit centers on the transportation of the crane itself.

According to legal filings, the crane weighed well over 130,000 pounds, placing it within a category often referred to as a “super load” under Massachusetts transportation regulations.

Vehicles carrying loads of this size generally require special permits and additional safety precautions due to the significant risks they pose to other motorists.

The lawsuit alleges that the transport operation was conducted without the required permit being in effect at the time of the trip.

Alleged Permit Violations

Massachusetts regulations require special oversight when oversized and overweight equipment is transported across public roadways.

According to the complaint, super-load permits typically require:

• Detailed route approval
• State police oversight
• Escort vehicles
• Specialized safety planning
• Restrictions on travel conditions and timing

The lawsuit claims these safeguards were designed specifically to prevent accidents involving oversized equipment encroaching into travel lanes or highway shoulders.

Brisbois’ attorneys argue that if proper procedures had been followed, the tragic collision may never have occurred.

Overnight Transport Under Scrutiny

Court documents indicate the crane was allegedly being moved from Massachusetts to Rhode Island during overnight hours.

The lawsuit contends that the timing of the transport raises additional concerns because overnight movements of oversized loads require strict compliance with safety requirements.

Attorneys representing the family allege that conducting such transports without proper authorization can increase risks for motorists and reduce opportunities for enforcement oversight.

The complaint further claims that the company had a responsibility to ensure all legal requirements were satisfied before allowing the crane to be moved.

Previous Criminal Case

The driver operating the tractor-trailer during the incident was previously charged in connection with the fatal crash.

Prosecutors pursued a motor vehicle homicide case alleging negligent operation.

However, following a trial, a jury ultimately found the driver not guilty of the criminal charges.

While the criminal case concluded without a conviction, the civil lawsuit focuses on separate issues involving company oversight, transportation procedures, and alleged negligence.

Civil cases require a different legal standard than criminal proceedings and may proceed independently regardless of the outcome of a criminal trial.

Family Continues Pursuit Of Justice

The lawsuit seeks damages related to the death of Jacob Brisbois and alleges that failures in planning and executing the transport operation created dangerous conditions on the highway.

Family members continue to remember Jacob as a young man whose life was cut tragically short.

The case also highlights broader concerns about the transportation of oversized industrial equipment and the importance of adhering to safety regulations designed to protect everyone sharing the road.

What Happens Next?

The wrongful death lawsuit will now move through the civil court process, where both sides will have an opportunity to present evidence and arguments.

Attorneys for the family are expected to focus on whether transportation regulations were properly followed and whether the company fulfilled its duty to ensure the crane was moved safely.

As the case progresses, it could shed further light on the circumstances surrounding the fatal Route 190 crash and determine whether liability extends beyond the truck driver to the company responsible for the equipment.

For the Brisbois family, the legal battle represents an ongoing effort to obtain accountability while honoring the memory of a son whose life ended in a tragic and preventable highway accident.